Heavenly Father, you are the Lord of all Creation; You spoke, “Let there be light” and there was light. Your Son Jesus is the Light of the World. And now, by His Spirit, His Word illuminates our lives. Thank you for this grace in which we sit, walk, and stand.
Speak again Lord, to our dark hearts. “Let there be light.” Awaken us to you. Teach us to walk in Your light and to fellowship with each other in this world according to your grace and truth.
We confess that having our lives exposed in your light generates fear. First we tremble at the thought of your holiness. Save us according to your Word and not our word. Forgive our sins and may willful sin not rule over us. Second we tremble at the thought of being out of step with our world. Your light invites us into what is unfamiliar and makes us look peculiar. Please replace our fear of people with your perfect love.
We long for leaders who walk in the light, who lead with wisdom and who pursue justice. We ask that You will bring Your comfort and help to those traumatized by violence, greed, and cold apathy. Both the one who raises the hand in anger and the one who receives it have suffered. It is your revealing light that can usher us all into healing and reconciliation.
As with every anniversary of violence to which your light has been held we must examine ourselves, so we ask again for your wisdom from heaven today for Rwanda, for Ireland, for the United States, for Canada, for Palestine and for Israel, for Syria, for Yemin, for Cameroon, for Germany, for El Salvador, and for Myanmar. Is there any land in which the toxic rage of ‘adam’s children has not shed blood? Oh Lord help us. Come quickly Lord Jesus – May your light shine. Reveal every lethal treasure we have collected against insecurity and help us surrender our affections to you that we might be free.
We pray now as you have taught us — (Please join me in the Lord’s Prayer)
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one;
for yours is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever.
Amen.